Elden Ring, being a role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, is packed full of secrets. There are all sorts of optional areas and things to do that you don't ever technically have to touch if you just want to blaze through the game. Dragons have been a big deal in FromSoftware's games since Demon's Souls, and in Elden Ring, you'll be able to harness dragon powers, provided you can track down some Dragon Hearts.
We've noted the Dragon Hearts we've been able to find so far, and we'll add any more that we learn of over time.
Elden Ring: How to get Dragon Hearts
To get a Dragon Heart in Elden Ring, you'll need to find and kill a dragon. It's a guaranteed drop from these dragon bosses, but you'll only get one, and taking on a dragon is no easy feat. Early on, you'll have some options for getting a Dragon Heart, but one is far earlier and easier than the others. We've listed these options out below.
Flying Dragon Agheel
The easiest Dragon to fight is available very quickly into the game; in fact, you can try as soon as you're let loose in the open world. Flying Dragon Agheel is located in the lake to the west of your starting position.
Now, even Agheel is a difficult fight, so seriously, don't just charge in there immediately, it's not going to work out well. In preparing for this fight, we'd recommend you level up to around level 25 at minimum. You'll also want to have some spirits to summon. If you're not sure about how this process works, consult our guide on Spirit Ash summoning.
We also recommend finding some smithing stones and getting a +1 or +2 weapon at minimum. The longer this fight drags on, the more at risk you are. Finally, if possible, get fire-resistance items and gear, as they can provide an important edge.
When you're adequately prepared, head down to the spot marked in the lake on the map above. Agheel will come crashing in and the fight begins. Agheel, like other dragons later on, has a wide moveset, but watch out for the following attacks in particular:
- Agheel will whip around quickly with their tail, dealing heavy damage if it connects and isn't blocked.
- Agheel will fly from right to left at a diagonal, strafing the area with fire.
- Agheel will stomp down with either their left or right foot.
If you're in singleplayer, we highly recommend using Torrent, your horse. Agheel rapidly flies around and uses wide arc whenever they breathe fire, so being mounted allows you to run past attacks that you otherwise have no hope of dodging. If you're playing in co-op, things are trickier, as you won't be able to summon Torrent. Your best bet will be to use the rubble in the lakebed to try to provide cover from when Agheel breathes fire, but this isn't foolproof.
Glintstone Dragon Smarag
Another way to acquire a Dragon Heart is to go after Glintstone Dragon Smarag. This crystal-cloaked dragon is located northwest of the Rose Church, and to the direct west of Raya Lucaria Academy, which is located in the Lake of Liurnia.
Now, if you found Agheel to be a challenge, be warned: Smarag is even worse in practically every way. Don't even think about fighting Smarag until you're level 45 or higher. We recommend getting a +3 or +4 weapon at minimum, and you'll also want some magic-resistant gear and items, if you can find any. By this point, you'll have Godrick's Great Rune and activating it with a rare Rune Arc can be a gamechanger, vastly boosting your stats for this fight.
Smarag has access to every move Agheel does, with a few nifty twists. For starters, Smarag has a much higher health pool and damage resistance. Additionally, Smarag breathes magic fire, instead of regular flame. Finally, when Smarag is on the ground, they can fire a homing magic missile that will do massive damage if it connects. With that said, most of the tips above that apply to maneuvering around Agheel will also apply to Smarag.
There's also a number of Teardrop Scarabs flying in the air near Smarag. If you can quickly kill them, they'll replenish your magic flasks, which can help for Faith or Intelligence-based builds.
Magma Wyrm
Further along, you can nab another Dragon Heart by going after the Magma Wyrm. Unlike the prior beasts, which could be found in the open world of the game, the Magma Wyrm is a more traditional boss fight, located at the end of the Gael Tunnel mine, which you can find at the edge of the region consumed by Scarlet Rot. You can see the location marked on the map above.
We recommend being around level 50 or higher, and using a +6 or +7 weapon if you have a melee build. This fight takes place in a somewhat-enclosed arena, so you'll need to stay light on your feet to quickly reposition. The Magma Wyrm can't fly, but instead writhes around, using its heavy bulk like an armored salamander before spewing magma everywhere. Try to stay around the tail or belly when fighting, going up to the head only for critical hits when the window opens.
Magma Wyrm Makar
Another Dragon Heart can be claimed by beating Magma Wyrm Makar. This great wyrm is ocated in the Ruin-Strewn Precipice Overlook, which you'll reach by continuing in Liurnia of the Lakes past Raya Lucaria Academy, following the lakebed north until it finally stops. We've marked this location on the map above.
This beast is even more dangerous than the prior wyrm, so we'd recommend being around level 55 or higher, using a 8 or +9 weapon if you're using a melee build. You can also summon an NPC named Great Horned Tragoth outside the boss room door. Tragoth has a heavy hammer and high health, so he's a fairly major boon in this fight. Note that you'll have more room to manuever than when fighing the first Magma Wyrm, so perform tactical retreats using the central pillar if necessary.
Elden Ring: How to find the Altar of Dragon Communion
Once you manage to claim a Dragon Heart or two, it's time to claim your prize. You'll need to proceed to the Church of Dragon Communion to grab the initial set of Dragon Powers. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to find. With that said, we're going to be navigating through some very dark areas to get to it, so make sure to buy a lantern or torch, if possible. Now, follow the steps below.
- Fast travel to the First Step Circle of Grace, where you first entered the open world.
- Head west and make your way down to the beach.
- Follow the beach until you find a group of mobkey-men warriors.
- Killing them, go into the Coastal Cave.
- It's extremely dark in these tunnels, so use the aforementioned lantern or torch.
- Proceed through and kill any enemies you encounter, eventually culminating in boss fight against two chieftains.
- After killing the bosses, instead of using the option to warp back to the beginning of the cave, keep going.
- You'll eventually come up outside on a small island.
Congratulations, you've made it to the right place. Simply head up the hill and interact with the altar at the Church of Dragon Communion.
How to find the Cathedral of Dragon Communion
If you want to find and unlock even more Dragon Powers, you'll need to head to the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. This location is much more straightforward to reach and can easily be found on horseback by going through the Caelid wastes, a region in the east that's been consumed by Scarlet Rot. Unfortunately, the enemies in this region are much tougher than in the early regions, so we'd hold off heading this way until you're at least level 50.
Note that you can also unlock the powers found at the Church of Dragon Communion at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion. However, it doesn't work the other way around.
Elden Ring: All Dragon Powers
You'll have your choice of Dragon Powers to redeem. Each power costs one or more Dragon Hearts, so think about it and choose very carefully.
Unlocked at the Church of Dragon Communion:
- Dragonfire: FP cost 28. Requires Faith 15, Arcane 12 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
- Dragonclaw: FP cost 42. Requires Faith 17, Arcane 13 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
- Dragonmaw: FP cost 62. Requires faith 24, arcane 16 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
Unlocked at the Cathedral of Dragon Communion:
- Agheel's Flame: FP cost 36. Requires Faith 23, Arcane 15 - Costs 2 Dragon Hearts
- Glintstone Breath: FP cost 28. Requires Faith 15, Arcane 12 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
- Smarag's Glintstone Breath: FP cost 36. Requires Faith 23, Arcane 15 - Costs 2 Dragon Hearts
- Rotten Breath: FP cost 36. Requires Faith 15, Arcane 12 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
- Dragonice: FP cost 36. Requires Faith 15, Arcane 12 - Costs 1 Dragon Heart
Have fun!
Take your time with Elden Ring. Critical reception so far indicates it's not only one of the most approachable FromSoftware games yet, but it's also one of the best Xbox games available. Still, it's a difficult game, so don't burn yourself out on it. Don't be afraid to look things up if you need help and go at the pace that's right for you.
Be who you want
Elden Ring is a magnificent action RPG, so don't stress too hard. Take your time levelling up and planning, and you'll unlock Dragon Powers in no time.
